Station Mitsumata

Discover the Heart of Local Flavor at Mitsumata

Nestled in the serene landscape of Minamiboso, Mitsumata roadside station is a vibrant gateway to rural Japan’s rich agricultural heritage. Surrounded by rolling farmland and lush forests, this destination offers travelers a genuine taste of regional life, where tradition meets modern hospitality.

What sets Mitsumata apart is its commitment to showcasing local craftsmanship and seasonal produce. Visitors can savor fresh, handcrafted dairy products, seasonal fruits, and regional delicacies made with care. The station also features a community space where artisans and farmers share stories, creating an authentic connection between visitors and the land. With its warm atmosphere and emphasis on sustainability, Mitsumata is more than a stop—it’s an experience rooted in place, passion, and purpose.

Mitsumata roadside station is home to the region’s only on-site dairy farm producing rich, creamy milk ice cream made exclusively from Jersey cows raised in the surrounding pastures. Visitors can watch cheesemaking demonstrations using traditional methods passed down for generations, then sample aged Gouda and fresh ricotta. The station also features a seasonal herb garden where guests can pick edible flowers and herbs to use in on-site cooking workshops—experiences available nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the bakery counter for fresh-baked milk bread, which sells out by 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM to find the limited daily batch of homemade pickled vegetables made from local cucumbers and daikon
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the local farmer’s stall near the entrance offers a first-come, first-served selection of freshly harvested strawberries from the nearby greenhouses—available only until 12:00 PM
• Best Photo Spot: Position yourself at the east-facing wooden bench next to the red gate at 2:00 PM on weekdays to capture the golden sunlight reflecting off the bamboo grove behind the roadside station
• Local Product Must-Try: Sample the free taste of the “Mitsumata Special Blend” honey at the information desk between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM—it’s made from wildflowers in the surrounding hills and is only available during the summer months
• Parking Tip: Use the far-right parking spot near the entrance gate to avoid the long walk to the main building—this spot is reserved for visitors who plan to buy the signature dried persimmon snacks
• Dining Shortcut: Order the “Mitsumata Breakfast Box” at the counter between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM to receive a free side of house-made miso soup and a reusable bamboo container

Spring (March–May): Late March to April brings peak canola flower viewing and bamboo shoot harvesting, with fresh shoots available at the roadside station market.

Summer (June–August): July features the summer festival with local food stalls and evening lantern displays.

Autumn (September–November): October offers chestnut picking and maple leaves at their most vibrant.

Winter (December–February): December hosts the winter light festival, illuminating the station grounds with seasonal displays.